Carl Edward Torian passed away on February 5, 2026, at the age of 88. Carl was born in Paducah, Kentucky, on September 28, 1937, to the late Carl William Torian and Laura Belle Edwards Torian. His rich life was marked by his dedication to service, a passion for the outdoors, and the love and laughter that he spread everywhere he went. Carl’s talents were a blessing to his family, friends, and neighbors.
Carl was a devoted firefighter, retiring after 29 years of service with the Paducah Fire Department. His commitment to helping others in their time of need was unwavering, and his bravery and kindness left a lasting impact on the community he so diligently served. Beyond his fire service, Carl's love for his country was evident in his time spent with the U.S. Navy Reserves, where he forged bonds that lasted a lifetime.
In addition to his service, Carl found solace and joy in the fields, where he farmed row crops of corn and soybeans. His stewardship of the land was evident in the bountiful harvests he reaped as well as the challenges he skillfully navigated. A man of the outdoors, Carl was an avid hunter with a particular talent for duck and goose hunting, a pastime that allowed him to immerse himself in the natural beauty that he so cherished. His love for racing - whether it be drag racing, motorcycles, or trucks - was a testament to his adventurous spirit and mechanical prowess.
Carl's dexterity extended to skilled craftsmanship. Renowned for his abilities as a welder, Carl could fix anything from small engines to large ones. This same hands-on approach translated to his culinary skills, where he was known for his exceptional ability to cook for large gatherings. Specialties like ducks, geese, steaks, and fish were staples at these events, and his culinary feats will be remembered by all who had the pleasure to partake.
Time spent on the water brought him great joy, Carl loved boating on the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. His love for the water and his passion for farming were complemented by his appreciation for the beautiful landscapes of Livingston County. For Carl, there was simply something special about the farm land in Livingston County.
Carl is survived by one brother, Joe Torian of Paducah; three nephews, Nathan (Noel) Torian of Paducah, Hunter Torian of Ohio, and William Seelye of Nashville; three nieces, Emily Torian of Paducah, Gayle Hayes of Paducah, and Susan Seelye-Swarting of New Canaan, Connecticut; five great-nephews, Elijah Torian, Avery Torian, Bjorn Swarting, Trace Torian, and Price River Torian; and five great-nieces, Anna Hayes, Linnea Swarting, Laura Bella Torian, Nyxxan Logsdon, and Ruby Torian.
Besides his parents, Carl was preceded in death by one sister, Sue Torian Seelye and her husband Arthur Seelye, Sr.; and two nephews, Arthur Seelye, Jr., and Aaron Carl Torian. On February 15, 2014, Aaron Torian was killed in action in Afghanistan. Following his death, Aaron’s wife, Jurley Torian, began serving the needs of military families through an organization called Folds of Honor. Jurley’s commitment to military families and the mission of Folds of Honor were very important to Carl. Expressions of sympathy can be made through gifts to this foundation. Information can be found at www.foldsofhonor.org <http://www.foldsofhonor.org>.
A funeral service will be held at 1 P.M. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Lone Oak with Nathan Torian officiating. Visitation will be from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.
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